BOSTON, Mass.- A Brookline teenager and her Dorchester mentor have been recognized as a 2026 Match of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts after nearly a decade of mentorship.
Allisson Heredia, 16, of Brookline, and Olivia Charbonnier of Dorchester were selected for the honor by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) for their long-standing relationship, which began when Heredia was 7 years old.
Charbonnier became a mentor after hosting a group of Big Brothers Big Sisters participants at her workplace in the Boston Mayor’s Office and seeing the connections between mentors and young people. She later signed up and was matched with Heredia.
Over the years, the pair built their relationship through shared activities including baking, baseball games, ice skating, and conversations that continued through the COVID-19 pandemic and Heredia’s transition to boarding school.
“Watching her grow into such a successful and accomplished young person, and seeing how she navigates her teenage years with such kindness, drive, and determination, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Charbonnier said.
Heredia said Charbonnier has remained a consistent source of encouragement and support.
“Olivia is special because she always knows how to show up for me,” Heredia said. “She believes in me, even when I might not have the confidence myself, and she’s always there without judgment.”
BBBSEM President and CEO Mark O’Donnell said the recognition highlights the impact of sustained mentoring relationships.
“Olivia has been there through every transition, every milestone, and every challenge,” O’Donnell said.
BBBSEM said its programs create mentoring matches based on shared interests, geography, and personality while supporting young people through challenges involving social isolation, education gaps, and access to opportunities.
